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ROLES OF AGE, GENDER AND SELF-EFFICACY OF CATHOLIC VOCATIONAL WORKERS ON ANXIETY MANIFESTATION

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Anxiety is a pervasive and complex mental health concern affecting individuals worldwide, with implications for personal well-being, social functioning, and work performance. In the context of vocational work, where individuals are called to serve in specific religious settings, understanding the factors that contribute to anxiety manifestation is crucial for fostering a supportive and conducive work environment. This study aims to explore the roles of age, gender, and self-efficacy on anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by this particular occupational group.

Catholic vocational workers, driven by their faith and commitment to serving a higher purpose, often dedicate their lives to a religious calling within the Church. As they navigate their roles in various capacities, such as priests, nuns, lay missionaries, and other religious positions, they encounter distinct stressors and demands that can impact their mental well-being. Factors such as spiritual obligations, the responsibility to lead and guide others, and the ever-changing landscape of the modern world can create both opportunities and challenges, influencing the prevalence and severity of anxiety experienced by these workers.

While previous research has explored anxiety manifestation in diverse occupational settings, little attention has been directed specifically toward the experiences of Catholic vocational workers. This study seeks to fill this critical gap in the literature by examining how age, gender, and self-efficacy influence anxiety levels among individuals committed to a religious vocation.

Age represents a significant factor in the context of anxiety, as individuals at different life stages may encounter distinct stressors and coping mechanisms. Younger Catholic vocational workers might grapple with identity formation, decision-making about lifelong commitment, and societal expectations. Conversely, older workers may confront issues related to burnout, health concerns, and the evolving dynamics of religious practices. By assessing the relationship between age and anxiety manifestation, this study aims to uncover potential age-related vulnerabilities and resilience factors.

Moreover, gender differences in anxiety manifestation have been extensively documented in the general population. However, it remains essential to examine how these gender disparities translate within the unique context of Catholic vocational work. As men and women undertake diverse roles and responsibilities within the Church, exploring the potential variations in anxiety levels between genders may offer valuable insights into the specific challenges faced by each group.

Self-efficacy, defined as an individual's belief in their capacity to cope with challenges and achieve desired outcomes, plays a pivotal role in shaping one's response to stressors. Catholic vocational workers with higher self-efficacy may be better equipped to manage anxiety-provoking situations and navigate the demands of their calling with confidence and resilience. Investigating the relationship between self-efficacy and anxiety manifestation among these workers can inform the development of targeted interventions to bolster their sense of competence and well-being.

In conclusion, this study endeavors to provide a comprehensive understanding of the roles of age, gender, and self-efficacy on anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers. By addressing this significant knowledge gap, the findings from this research have the potential to inform the development of tailored interventions and support systems that promote the mental health and overall well-being of those dedicated to serving their religious calling within the Catholic Church. Ultimately, this research contributes to building a more compassionate and supportive environment for Catholic vocational workers, fostering their personal growth and enriching their capacity to fulfill their sacred roles within the faith community.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Anxiety is a prevalent mental health concern with potential adverse effects on individuals' well-being and job performance. However, little research has investigated the specific manifestations of anxiety among Catholic vocational workers, who bear unique responsibilities within their religious calling. This study aims to address this gap by examining the roles of age, gender, and self-efficacy in anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers.

The problem centers on the need to understand how age impacts anxiety levels among individuals at various stages of their vocational journey, identifying potential vulnerabilities and resilience factors within different age groups. Moreover, the study seeks to explore potential gender differences in anxiety manifestation, recognizing the distinct roles and challenges faced by male and female workers within the religious context. Additionally, investigating the influence of self-efficacy on anxiety levels will shed light on the importance of confidence and coping mechanisms in managing stressors related to vocational work.

By unraveling these interrelated factors, this research aims to contribute to the development of targeted interventions and support systems that promote the mental well-being and overall fulfillment of Catholic vocational workers, fostering a harmonious and thriving religious work environment.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Main Objective: The main objective of this study is to investigate the roles of age, gender, and self-efficacy in anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers, with the aim of understanding the factors that influence anxiety levels within this unique occupational setting.

Simple Specific Objectives:

To assess the relationship between age and anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers, examining how different age groups experience and cope with stressors related to their religious calling. To explore potential gender differences in anxiety levels among Catholic vocational workers, recognizing the distinct challenges and coping mechanisms employed by male and female individuals engaged in religious vocations. To examine the impact of self-efficacy on anxiety manifestation within the context of Catholic vocational work, identifying the role of individuals' beliefs in their ability to cope with challenges and maintain emotional well-being in their religious roles.

RESEARCH QUESTION

How does age influence anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers, and what are the differences in anxiety levels between younger and older individuals engaged in religious vocations? What are the gender-specific patterns of anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers, and how do male and female workers differ in their experiences of anxiety within the religious context? To what extent does self-efficacy impact anxiety levels among Catholic vocational workers, and how does a belief in one's ability to cope with challenges affect the manifestation of anxiety in the context of religious vocations?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Research Question 1:

How does age influence anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers, and what are the differences in anxiety levels between younger and older individuals engaged in religious vocations?

 

Research Hypothesis 1 (H1): There is a significant relationship between age and anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers, with younger workers experiencing higher levels of anxiety compared to older workers.

 

Null Hypothesis 1 (H0): There is no significant relationship between age and anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers, and there are no differences in anxiety levels between younger and older individuals engaged in religious vocations.

 

Research Question 2:

What are the gender-specific patterns of anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers, and how do male and female workers differ in their experiences of anxiety within the religious context?

 

Research Hypothesis 2 (H1): There are significant gender differences in anxiety levels among Catholic vocational workers, with female workers reporting higher levels of anxiety compared to male workers.

 

Null Hypothesis 2 (H0): There are no significant gender differences in anxiety levels among Catholic vocational workers, and male and female workers do not differ in their experiences of anxiety within the religious context.

 

Research Question 3:

To what extent does self-efficacy impact anxiety levels among Catholic vocational workers, and how does a belief in one's ability to cope with challenges affect the manifestation of anxiety in the context of religious vocations?

 

Research Hypothesis 3 (H1): Higher levels of self-efficacy among Catholic vocational workers are associated with lower anxiety manifestation, indicating that a stronger belief in their ability to cope with challenges results in reduced anxiety.

 

Null Hypothesis 3 (H0): There is no significant impact of self-efficacy on anxiety levels among Catholic vocational workers, and individuals' beliefs in their ability to cope with challenges do not affect the manifestation of anxiety in the context of religious vocations.

 

The research hypotheses (H1) propose the expected relationships or differences between the variables, while the null hypotheses (H0) suggest that no significant relationships or differences exist. These hypotheses will be tested through data analysis to determine the extent to which age, gender, and self-efficacy contribute to anxiety manifestation among Catholic vocational workers.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on Catholic vocational workers and aims to investigate the roles of age, gender, and self-efficacy in anxiety manifestation within the context of religious vocations. It involves participants from diverse roles within the Catholic Church, providing valuable insights into the factors influencing anxiety levels among this specific occupational group.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The demanding schedule of respondents at work made it very difficult getting the respondents to participate in the survey. As a result, retrieving copies of questionnaire in timely fashion was very challenging. Also, the researcher is a student and therefore has limited time as well as resources in covering extensive literature available in conducting this research. Information provided by the researcher may not hold true for all businesses or organizations but is restricted to the selected organization used as a study in this research especially in the locality where this study is being conducted. Finally, the researcher is restricted only to the evidence provided by the participants in the research and therefore cannot determine the reliability and accuracy of the information provided.

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Anxiety: A psychological state characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and restlessness. In this study, anxiety refers to the emotional and physiological response to stressors experienced by Catholic vocational workers.

 

Catholic Vocational Workers: Individuals who have chosen to serve within various religious capacities within the Catholic Church, including but not limited to priests, nuns, lay missionaries, and other religious positions, committed to fulfilling their sacred vocations.

 

Age: Refers to the chronological age of the participants in the study, representing the number of years since their birth. It is used to examine how different life stages may influence anxiety levels among Catholic vocational workers.

 

Gender: A term used to classify individuals as male or female based on biological and/or social characteristics. In this study, gender is considered to explore potential differences in anxiety manifestation between male and female Catholic vocational workers.

 

Self-Efficacy: The belief in one's ability to successfully perform tasks and handle challenging situations. In this research, self-efficacy is examined to understand its impact on anxiety levels among Catholic vocational workers and their perceived ability to cope with stressors in their religious roles.

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